The most successful method to date in detecting Earth-sized exoplanets is:
A) the radial velocity method.
B) the transit method.
C) direct imaging.
D) gravitational lensing.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The transit method involves detecting the slight dimming of a star's brightness as a planet passes in front of it. This method has been very successful in detecting Earth-sized exoplanets, as it is sensitive to small planets and can reveal information about their size and orbital period. Other methods, such as radial velocity and direct imaging, have been effective in detecting larger exoplanets but are less sensitive to Earth-sized planets. Gravitational lensing can also detect Earth-sized planets, but it is a rare occurrence and difficult to observe. Therefore, the transit method is currently the most successful method for detecting Earth-sized exoplanets.

The Most Successful Method to Date in Detecting Earth-Sized Exoplanets